Simon Magaji Agwale, a vaccinologist, has produced a conjugate vaccine for the prevention of typhoid fever, which he claims has 90% efficiency and could last for a lifetime once taken.
The vaccine, which is known as typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), is a combination of more than one vaccine.
Agwale, who is the founder and CEO of Innovative Biotech Ltd, said a single dose is effective in the prevention of the disease.
“The present vaccine does not protect children below two years. Its efficacy is about 55 per cent. So if 100 people are vaccinated only 55 percent can be protected. Science is about filling up gaps and making innovations. So the vaccine is a combination of vaccine to form a conjugate. This practice will break the limitations,” Agwale told ThisDay.
“This type of vaccine has the ability to protect for life, instead of three years as being the norm in single vaccines. It has more than 90 per cent efficacy. With the single vaccine, kids were protected against the disease but now, we are talking about its eradication. Everybody that gets a shot is protected for life.
“Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine is the surest way to eradicate typhoid an this is through vaccination. Based on available studies, the microbes are now resistant to the drugs available, hence the inability to cure the ailment.
“The sum of $500 million to $1 billion is often estimated and used in putting one product in the market. For private manufacturers, it’s about making profit for the sustainability of the product. Someone will have to pay for it especially as we are launching two sets of products.”
The vaccinologist is collaborating with the federal ministry of health.
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